To properly interpret an alert, we have to consider the cat, the circumstances, and whether we can detect a precipitating event.
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We see cat alerts every day; when we reach for the can opener or open the bag to refill their bowl. This is usually an “all hands on deck” moment like no other. But if we have established a willingness to notice their attempts to ask for things, they will use this ability more and more.
One of the delights of cats is their keen senses which are always monitoring their environment. So when we make a move towards the treat cupboard or the nip jar, they know.
Cats are also interested in the normal noises around the house. So if the refrigerator develops a funny noise or the neighbors have developed an interest in Death Metal, they will know, and might ask us what it means.
A useful skill to teach our cats is to say, “Show me!” and follow them to where they want to go.
They might not understand at first, but they can quickly grasp that you are willing to be shown something, and then they will be happy to show you what is bothering them.
The more events we plan and share with our cat, the more we develop the power to summon them for various purposes; calling a Cat Alert of our own. In our household, there’s Treat Time, Nip Time, Cuddling on the Bed Time, A Closet Door is Open Time, and many others.
When cats are trying to get our attention, we should pay attention. This is part of cat interactivity.
It should be nurtured, and enjoyed.
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Killsy has always been good at this. Except when the question is “Where’s your brother?” He won’t come when called, being deaf, and she just shifts her feet and darts her eyes. I think she knows what I’m asking, but she may be thinking “I told him to get lost, and he did. So what’s the problem?”
Not to change the subject (which is a thing people say when they change subjects), but what are your thoughts on pet insurance?
I found this article on pet insurance, and surprisingly it seems that the cheapest one seems to cover the most. Of course, that doesn’t mean that they aren’t the ones to pay out the least.
If you’ve had any experience on this, it would be a very helpful post.
That’s an excellent subject for a post; with no experience, I have been doing research. Start when the cat is young and the premiums are cheaper, and many people have shared that it can pay off if a long illness or serious accident occurs. See if it’s capped by time or by incident; the fallout from a serious problem can require more treatment down the road. Will post more on this; it’s a good subject.
My cats sure do tell me exactly when it is time to eat which is usually all day. But I can tell if there is a strange cat or person or dog around. They do tell me when something is going on. Good blog
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“When cats are trying to get our attention, we should pay attention.”
I’ve always harboured the suspicion that cats train us to do their bidding, not the other way around
Of course, John. That’s why I think cats are easy. They will come right out and tell you what they want. No guessing!
I’m the favorite companion of one of my three cats, Cha Cha, a little girl who is all black. Despite her diminuitive stature she bosses the other two cats. I worked extenisvely with all three when they were kittens, they learned to walk on a leash and to tell me when they wanted something by getting me and showing me what they needed. Within minutes of when Cha Cha learned to show me what she wanted, she made a bee-line to the back door and pointed at the door knob. I told her “no” since it wasn’t a good time to go outside right then. That was the only time in nine years that I ever saw her totally dejected, her disappointment was so profound that I was at the point of tears from causing her such distress. I said to heck with waiting to go out and rewarded her new behavior by taking her outside to play anyway. Talk about a happy cat! One thing about my cats is that they are all reasonable in their requests, Cha Cha never capitalized on acting dejected to get her way again. They all ask for things that are do-able and show remarkably good judgment! They all figured out on their own to go fetch their harnesses and leashes when they want to go for a walk. Cha Cha nurses me when I’m sick, she licks all around my nose and eyes if I let her and she sleeps curled up next to my face until I’m feeling better. Houdini (he could escape from anywhere when he was a kitten) gets my attention to ask me something by gently tapping on my shoulder just like a human would. The first time he did that it scared the heck out of me because I thought I was alone. Houdini was just living up to his name! Tai Tai also taps me on the shoulder when she wants something, but not often. Cha Cha just walks up to me where I can see her and quite plainly says: “Follow me, I want to show you something.” But because of her heavy Felinish accent it sounds more like: “Meow meow, meow, meow meow meow, meow meow.”
Cha Cha sounds very bright! And it certainly seems that they all have you figured out.
I love the “Felinish” accent. It does make vowels easier for them than consonants.
When my cat, Tinkerbell, alerts on something, I’ve found it wise to follow her. One night while sitting watching tv, I decided to run the dishwasher. Tink came down stairs at the noise and did her usual check of the situation, then strolled back to the living room with me.
After a few moments, she walked out to the kitchen. She came back to the doorway, turned around and sat down, staring all the while back towards the side of the kitchen that the dishwasher is on. I watched her for a moment. It was unlike her to stare that long when noone was in the kitchen. I asked if something was wrong. She looked at me and made one of her chirps that I usually take for a “yes”, then went right back to staring at the same spot.
I got up and walked out to the kitchen. She pranced out ahead of me, looking back to make sure I was in tow. When I rounded the corner, water was running down the front of the dishwasher. There was water on the floor, but fortunately, my little four-legged warning device knew how to get my attention and I listened. I reached down and scratched her on the head with a flurry of vocal praise. I shut the dishwasher down and cleaned up the mess.
Some people say cats are stupid. Tink has proven otherwise. She saved me from a major mess. When she alerts, I ask her “Whats wrong? Show me?” and she will trot off. Its worth your time to see what they want.
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